Pakistan name five uncapped players for Sri Lanka tests

(Reuters) - Pakistan selected fast bowler Mir Hamza among five uncapped players in their 16-man squad for the two-test home series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates starting later this month.

Batsmen Haris Sohail and Usman Salahuddin have both played one-day internationals for Pakistan but are yet to make their test debuts as Pakistan start life without retired batting greats Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.

Long-serving captain Misbah and former skipper Younis retired from international cricket at the end of Pakistan's test series in West Indies in May.

"We are trying our youngsters. Usman Salahuddin and Haris Sohail have been part of the squad in the last two to three series so that we can play them when the seniors retire," Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq told reporters in Lahore.

"I wanted to give them opportunity in home conditions to boost their confidence. We are hopeful they can fulfill the spots left by the retirements."

Opener Sami Aslam, who last played a test for Pakistan in December, was also recalled.